SLC rope in Malinga as consultant for short stint

Sri Lanka Cricket has roped in former fast bowler Lasith Malinga as a fast bowling consultant. The legendary fast bowler will work only on a short term basis from December 15, 2025 to January 25, 2026.

Malinga will work with the national fast bowlers in order to prepare them for the T20 World Cup that will begin in February. Sri Lanka, who hosted the 2012 edition, are co-hosting the tournament with India.

Malinga, regarded as one of the finest bowlers of his generation in white-ball cricket, picked over 500 wickets in his international career. He led Sri Lanka to their only T20 world title in 2014 in Bangladesh and has been part of Mumbai Indians' numerous triumphs in the Indian Premier League.

"Sri Lanka Cricket aims to leverage Malinga's vast international experience and renowned expertise in death bowling, particularly in the shortest format of the game to strengthen Sri Lanka's preparations for the upcoming World Cup," SLC said in a statement.

Sri Lanka open their campaign on the second day of the tournament against Ireland in Colombo. They also have Australia, Zimbabwe and Oman in their group.